cow wort

Also known as: lion's ear; lion's tail; motherwort

A deciduous, herbaceous perennial wildflower with deeply-lobed palmate green foliage and whorls of purple-pink to white flowers with purple-spotted lips around a central stem which appear in the summer. Known for it's historical use in medicine for heart-related issues and also a great source of nectar for pollinating insects. Honey made from the nectar of this plant has a strong, mint-like flavour

cow wort

Scientific classification

Species
cow wort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Genus
Leonurus
Family
Lamiaceae
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type
1.5-2.5 metres
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
Deciduous
Foliage
Bushy
Habit
Spring · Summer
Season of interest
Partial shade
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

cow wort pictures

cow wortcow wortcow wortcow wortcow wortcow wort

Distribution of cow wort

Distribution map

Europe, from Scandinavia to Northern Spain, Italy and Greece, naturalised in Southern Britain

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of cow wort

Information to be completed

cow wort care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging
Watering
Partial shade
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought and stagnant waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks spring through summer growth

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Propagation

Prefers well-drained, poor soil but wiill grow almost anywhere and can cope with heavy soils

Growing

Information to be completed

More growing and care information →

People also ask

Information to be completed

Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Pests

Generally pest-free

Explore the plant health library →

Learn more about cow wort